By Sarah Villafranco, MD

Are you totally overwhelmed by the number of serums on the market these days? I am, and I'm a green beauty expert! I can only imagine how confusing it would be to sort through it all as a consumer, even an educated one. So, let's simplify things. First, I'll explain some basics about serums. Then, I'll break down our three serums by function and skin type. And at the very end, I hope to make you smile by telling you that all our serums will now be offered at the same price.

1) What is a serum?

The actual definition of serum is this: "the watery part of blood that contains antibodies and fights disease". A secondary definition is "any watery animal or plant fluid". Are you grossed out yet? Sorry! But, I want you to understand the real definition so we can see how it segues into the world of skincare.

There is no set of rules by which skin care companies define their serums: you'll find water-based, gel-based, and oil-based serums, making it hard to know exactly how to incorporate a serum into your routine. A water or gel-based serum will bring added hydration and water-soluble vitamins to the skin, while an oil-based serum might bring antioxidants or anti-inflammatory nutrients, deliver oil-soluble vitamins, and help the skin retain water. (Note: did you know that oils are not hydrating? Any word with "hydra" needs to be about water. Oils have no water. They're basically the opposite of water. They soften. They deliver nutrients. They help skin retain water. But they do not HYDRATE. Only water does that. That's why you must use oils on wet or damp skin. Okay, I'm done now.) 

The best way to think about a beauty serum is to consider the medical definition: it's a liquid, either oil or water, with concentrated ingredients designed to target specific conditions, just like antibodies in our serum target certain disease processes. Regarding how to use a serum, I usually recommend water-based products before oil-based products, but your skin will let you know if you're doing it right. If a serum sits on top of your skin and does not absorb, or feels tight or flaky after applying, you may need to change the order of things. Our three facial serums are oil-based, so I recommend cleansing the skin and applying the serum to the skin while it's still damp from washing or from your toner.

2) What do Osmia's three serums do??

Skin Types for This Serum: 

Normal, oily, combination, acne-prone, inflamed, and t-zone challenged skin. Also excellent for chest and upper back acne, according to our customers.

Why I Formulated This Serum:

To treat skin that is confused about how much sebum to produce on its own, and help down-regulate the skin's activity level in general. It penetrates all layers of the skin, soothing the inflammation and overproduction that lead to acne, clogged pores, and excessive oiliness. 

Star Ingredients That Make it Different: 

• Black cumin seed oil, which has very high levels of vitamins A, B, and C, as well as a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound called thymoquinone 
• Schisandra and acai fruits are soothing to inflamed skin and extremely high in antioxidants
• Olive squalane, kukui, and macadamia nut oils to penetrate quickly and leave skin soft but not oily
• Essential oil blend chosen to balance the skin's sebum production, including lavender, geranium, green myrtle, and sandalwood

What people love most about it (in their words):

• The scent (herbal, spicy, unisex, fresh)
• Evens skin tone
• Decreases oil production
• Diminishes shine
• Fewer breakouts
• Absorbs quickly with no greasy residue

Skin Types for This Serum: 

Dry, mature, or damaged skin. Use for sun-damaged skin or post-procedure healing. 

Why I Formulated This Serum:

To treat skin that has been damaged and dehydrated by sun over time and help restore elasticity. Also, to heal skin that has been acutely inflamed by dermatologic procedures or retinoid use (may be used in conjunction with retinoids).

Star Ingredients That Make it Different: 

• Lavender-infused olive oil, organic shea oil, and rosehip seed oil penetrate deeply and speed skin healing
• Pomegranate, amaranth, calendula, and sea buckthorn bring incredible levels of antioxidant activity and strengthen skin's collagen structure, restoring elasticity
• Borage and evening primrose oils provide concentrated essential fatty acids to nourish and restore skin health
• High levels of lavender, helichrysum, and carrot seed essential oils work to repair damaged or peeling skin 

What people love most about it (in their words):

• Evens complexion
• Preserves and protects the skin
• Absorbs quickly with a great smell to it
• Non-irritating, even to sensitive skin
• Helps heal scars and scabs
• "The only thing I could use after a peel - healed my skin so quickly!"

Skin Types for This Serum: 

Dry, dull skin, or discolored that needs a brightening boost.

Why I Formulated This Serum:

To smooth the texture of the skin and increase cell turnover, resulting in a brighter, fresher layer of skin cells at the surface. The texture was tailored for application under makeup, or alone for a glowing, dewy look.

Star Ingredients That Make it Different: 

• Prickly pear, pumpkin seed, and broccoli seed oils give a silky smooth texture and load the skin with vitamins E, K, and A, and zinc
• Camellia, cranberry, and green tea provide antioxidants to protect skin against oxidative damage
• Spirulina and wheatgrass detoxify the skin
• Rice, quinoa, and amaranth proteins nourish and strengthen skin cells
• Pumpkin, mushroom, and papaya enzymes provide a gentle exfoliation and increase cell turnover for a radiant complexion

What people love most about it (in their words):

• Lightens dark spots
• Wake with clear, glowing skin
• Light and non-greasy
• Soothing
• A little bit goes a long way
• Amazing under makeup!

Enjoy!!

With love and beautiful skin from us to you, 

Sarah + The Osmia Crew